I was pleased to respond to the Government’s call for evidence on its forthcoming International Development white paper, which is due to be published later this year.
The call for evidence seeks input into the Government’s development strategy and how best to align this with our key international aims including tackling climate change, protecting the economic and defence security of the UK and its partners, and securing supply chains for essential commodities.
Many of the challenges we face are not defined by, or limited to, national borders. It is by working together on these issues that we can achieve the best results for all. The ability of the UK to build international cooperation through its development strategy in areas of vital importance such research and innovation, addressing hunger and disease, and increasing access to education are policy priorities of which I am strongly supportive.
I know that development aid is an issue which is extremely important to many of my constituents, and I was therefore delighted to have an opportunity to contribute to this call for evidence to highlight the issues of importance to Runnymede and Weybridge.
These include working with our partners in the developing world to secure and build supply chains for our green and technology industries – with several companies in this field having sites in Runnymede and Weybridge. In addition, I expressed my support for the Government’s strategy for seeking scientific/artificial intelligence solutions to issues facing the developing world such as hunger, disease and the impact of climate change. Many of our universities, such as Royal Holloway, having thriving research departments in this area and I anticipate these institutions contributing significantly to the UK’s international development strategy.
You can find my full response on the Government’s proposals below.
